InnovaSPA

Context: address the societal challenge of ageing society and to demonstrate that thermalism could be, by introducing innovative cures and care solutions, a sector having a huge potential in making healthcare more efficient. Healthy lifestyle and prevention are supposed to be more and more relevant making wider the target group perspective for the territories. Partnership: 8 partners (1 Association, 3 Universities, 3 Regional Development Agencies and 1 Innovation centre) from 8 countries (FR, HU, LV, PL, RO, LT, PT, SI). When relevant, authorities in charge of targeted policies are committed to provide their support. Relevant stakeholders within each area will be strongly involved in the exchange of experience at interregional level and planned adaptation of policy instruments. Objective Improve policies aiming at supporting knowledge transfer and strengthening opportunities for open innovation between the triple helix partners in the field of preventative health and thermalism in order to accelerate the launch on the market of innovative solutions for developing healthy lifestyle. Approach Three-steps approach in Phase 1. Interregional exchange of experiences in that field and subsequent introduction into their policies of innovative health solutions for thermal spa regions (final purpose under Phase 2). Main activities and outputs 8 policy instruments are addressed (1 per region), all related to structural funds programmes. Basis for exchange of experience: Reciprocal improvement analysis and 8 study visits. Newsletters and final dissemination event for an effective dissemination towards other territories in Europe. Main expected results At least 16 good practices identified, 8 targeted policy instruments improved, 16 staff members will transfer new capacities in their intervention fields, 50 involved stakeholders with increased skills and knowledge from exchange of experience. Expected 20 articles in press including at EU level.